For Australian OEMs and machine builders exporting industrial equipment to the United States, selecting the right UL-certified product is an important part of machine design.
Australian machine builders exporting equipment to the United States need to consider US electrical requirements early in the design process. Cable, connectors, cable glands and other electrical components may need UL certification or recognition appropriate to their intended use. Selecting the correct components during machine design can reduce inspection issues, rework and commissioning delays. This guide explains the main UL classifications Australian OEMs should understand and how to select suitable LAPP cables and connectivity products for US-bound machinery.
Why does UL product certification matter when exporting machinery to the US?
Product selection forms part of the wider machine design and certification process. A product that is suitable for an application in Australia is not necessarily suitable for the same application in the US simply because its electrical characteristics appear adequate. The relevant certification, ratings and conditions of use need to be considered for the specific product and application.
When reviewing LAPP product for North American machinery, OEMs may encounter two UL designations in particular: UL Listed and UL Recognised. These designations have different meanings and different conditions of use, so understanding the distinction is an important part of selecting the right product for the application.
UL Listed vs UL Recognised: What's the difference?
UL Listed and UL Recognised are different certification categories and should not be treated as interchangeable. The distinction is important because the certification, ratings and conditions of use need to be appropriate for the way the product will be used.
UL Solutions explains that the UL Recognised Component Mark applies to components intended to be incorporated into a larger UL Certified end product. These components are evaluated under defined conditions of acceptability that specify how they can be used.
UL guidance also distinguishes between Listed and Recognised products. For example, internal equipment wiring may use UL Listed conductors or UL Recognised Appliance Wiring Material (AWM), with Recognised components subject to further evaluation as part of the finished product.
For peace of mind, LAPP Australia stocks the widest range of UL Certified power and control cables, ethernet and data cables, plus cable glands, industrial connectors and conduits. The UL certified product range is centrally stocked for despatch across Australia.
The important question therefore isn't simply "Does this product have UL approval?" It is: "Does this particular product have the certification and ratings required for the way it will be used in this machine?"
UL Solutions recommends checking certification information and applicable conditions through its Product iQ database.
What should Australian machine builders consider when selecting UL product?
UL certification is only one part of product selection. The product also needs to be suitable for the electrical, mechanical and environmental conditions of the machine and its installation.
Electrical & Temperature
Check the applicable voltage, current, temperature and other electrical ratings against the requirements of the application. Ratings can vary between products and according to the applicable certification or installation conditions, so the technical documentation for the exact product should be checked.
Installation & Mounting
Consider how the product will be installed and integrated into the machine. Depending on the product, this may include the wiring method, mounting arrangement, cable diameter, thread size, panel entry, connector interface and available installation space.
Screening & EMC
Where electromagnetic compatibility is important, consider the complete connection system. This may include screened cables, EMC cable glands, shielded connectors and appropriate termination methods to support the machine's EMC requirements.
Mechanical Requirements
Consider the mechanical conditions the product will experience, including movement, repeated flexing, vibration, strain relief and mechanical load. Products should be selected for the specific installation and operating conditions of the machine.
Environmental Conditions
Oil, UV exposure, temperature, moisture, chemicals, dust and other environmental conditions can influence product selection. The relevant environmental characteristics and protection requirements should be checked against the manufacturer's technical data for the exact product.
What can happen if product requirements are considered too late?
Changing a cable, cable gland, connector or conduit after a machine has been designed, built or tested can create unnecessary rework. A product substitution may affect cable routing, termination, panel cut-outs, thread sizes, shielding, enclosure sealing, connector compatibility or other aspects of the installation. For machinery intended for the North American market, product certification and compatibility should therefore be considered during the design stage rather than treated as a final purchasing decision. Confirming the required certification, ratings, construction and installation conditions early can help reduce the risk of changes later in the project.
Selecting UL Cables & Components for US Machinery Exports?
LAPP Australia offers a broad range of cable and connectivity products with UL and CSA approvals for machinery, control panels, automation systems and industrial equipment. Available solutions include power and control cables, data and fieldbus cables, Industrial Ethernet cables, cable glands, rectangular and circular industrial connectors, Industrial Ethernet connectors, and flexible conduit systems. Certification and ratings vary by individual product, so the technical documentation for the exact product should always be checked. Explore the product categories below or speak with our experienced team for assistance selecting products for machinery being designed or exported to North America.
Please note: UL certification, ratings and applicable approvals vary by individual product and configuration. Not every product within the categories below carries the same certification. Always check the technical documentation for the exact product being specified.
Power & Control Cables
ÖLFLEX® · Flexible power and control cable solutions
Power and control cable solutions for machinery and equipment wiring, with UL-approved options available for North American applications.
Data & Fieldbus Cables
UNITRONIC® · Data and fieldbus communication solutions
Data and fieldbus cable solutions for industrial communication, with UL-approved options available for automation applications.
Industrial Ethernet Cables
ETHERLINE® · Ethernet cable solutions for industrial networks
Industrial Ethernet cable solutions for machine and automation networks, with UL-approved options available for North American applications.
Cable Glands
SKINTOP® · Secure cable entry and sealing solutions
Cable entry, strain relief and sealing solutions, with selected SKINTOP® products available with UL approvals.
Rectangular Industrial Connectors
EPIC® · Heavy-duty connector solutions
Heavy-duty rectangular connector solutions for power, control and signal connections, with UL-approved options available.
Encoder, Servo & Circular Connectors
EPIC® SENSOR / M23 / M40 · Circular connectivity solutions
Circular connectivity solutions for servo drives, encoders, motors and automation equipment, with approvals varying by product.
Industrial Ethernet Connectors
EPIC® DATA · RJ45 and Ethernet connector solutions
Industrial Ethernet connector solutions for reliable machine and network connections, with approvals varying by product.
Flexible Conduits & Conduit Connectors
SILVYN® · Flexible cable protection systems
Flexible conduit and connector solutions for industrial cable protection, with approvals varying by product and application.
A Practical UL Product Selection Checklist for OEMs
Based on a combination of guidelines from UL Solutions and LAPP technical documentation, this practical checklist covers some of the key considerations when specifying product for machinery destined for the US or wider North American market. Please note: this is not a definitive list of compliance requirements.
- Identify the application and product type. Determine whether you are specifying power or control cable, data or Ethernet cable, a cable gland, industrial connector, conduit system or another machine component.
- Check the required certification. Confirm whether the application requires a UL Listed product, UL Recognised component or another specific certification.
- Check the applicable ratings. Confirm that the exact product is suitable for the required electrical, temperature, mechanical and environmental conditions.
- Check the installation method. Confirm that the product's certification and ratings apply to the way it will be installed or integrated into the machine.
- Consider EMC requirements. Where relevant, consider cable screening, EMC cable glands, shielded connectors and termination requirements as part of the complete connection system.
- Consider mechanical requirements. Check factors such as movement, flexing, vibration, strain relief, mounting and mechanical load where applicable.
- Check environmental conditions. Review the manufacturer's technical data for factors such as oil, UV exposure, temperature, moisture, chemicals and ingress protection where relevant.
- Verify the exact product. Check the manufacturer's technical documentation and certification information for the specific product and part number being specified.
How LAPP Australia Can Help?
Our experienced team can help you select the right LAPP products for machinery being designed or exported to North America. Speak with one of our knowledgeable sales team members for product selection support, UL and CSA approval enquiries, product compatibility, technical information, stock availability and quote requests.